dryer

UK: ˈdraɪə | US: ˈdraɪər

Definition
  1. n. a machine or device for removing moisture by heating or circulating air (e.g., clothes dryer, hair dryer)

  2. n. a substance or agent used to dry something (e.g., paint dryer)

Structure
dry <to remove moisture>er <agent noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "dryer" combines the Old English root "dry" (from drȳge, meaning "free from moisture") with the agentive suffix "-er," which denotes a tool or person performing an action. The suffix "-er" originates from Old English -ere, borrowed from Latin -arius. The compound emerged in Middle English to describe devices or substances that facilitate drying, reflecting a functional naming pattern common in English (e.g., "washer," "toaster").

Examples
  1. She put the wet clothes into the dryer after washing them.

  2. The hair dryer stopped working, so she had to air-dry her hair.

  3. This paint contains a chemical dryer to speed up the process.

  4. Modern dryers are energy-efficient compared to older models.

  5. He forgot to clean the lint filter in the dryer, causing a fire hazard.